Carter Bykowski was outside on his deck, back at his home in Eden Prairie, Minn., watching the TV through the window as the 2013 NFL Draft winded down, only nine picks remaining in the seventh round.

Then, with the San Francisco 49ers on deck awaiting the No. 246 overall pick, the former ISU offensive lineman’s phone rang. The 49ers were going to take him.

“My family was jumping up and down, screaming,” Bykowski said of the reaction. “I didn’t expect it at all; I thought I would have had some opportunities after the draft, and hopefully I had some things to choose from. It ended up just working out in my favor, and I’m happy to be a 49er.”

Bykowski had spent some time prior to the draft talking with the 49ers and said he felt he had some other possibilities lined up to give him an opportunity to sign as an undrafted free agent following the draft.

Last season, Bykowski started in all 13 games for Iowa State at left tackle and played in 13 games in 2011, starting four games at right tackle. That came after Bykowski made the transition from tight end, where he played his freshman season for the Cyclones.

“Playing my freshman year to redshirting the second year, it’s kind of like you question a few things just because you’re playing, then all of a sudden you’re not at all,” Bykowski said.

Bykowski was able to make the switch with the redshirt season and become a starter on the offensive line for Iowa State. The move paid off Saturday, April 27, 2013, on the third day of the draft with his newfound opportunity in the NFL.

In San Francisco, Bykowski will join a strong group of tackles in starters Joe Staley and Anthony Davis. Staley has made multiple NFL Pro Bowl appearances and the 49ers recently signed Davis to a contract extension.

San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke was impressed with Bykowski’s hard work. Bykowski played in 45 games during his ISU career.

“Toughness,” Baalke said at a news conference following the draft when asked what he likes about Bykowski. “He’s a tough guy, he’s a guy that’s not afraid to get dirty. The grit, the intelligence, the work ethic.”

The 49ers will hold rookie camp in the next week or two, and Bykowski knows he still has plenty of work remaining.

“I just have to go there and prove myself,” Bykowski said. “There’s going to be a lot of competition. I still have to be developed, I still have to hone my craft, per se. I’m still pretty raw at the position, I’ve only played it for a couple of years.”

Bykowski briefly spoke with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and the team’s offensive line coach, Mike Solari. The message from both, Bykowski said, is that the organization has a need for depth at the tackle position and he has a chance to earn a spot on the roster.

“I have to go out there and make the team,” Bykowski said. “Nothing’s guaranteed in this league.”